The problem reportedly began about a year ago when a woman thought she had purchased a pair of male bunnies. She was surprised by the first litter and then let the rabbits breed…well, just like rabbits. It’s true what they say, because a year later, that original pair had blossomed into an overwhelming herd of 120 bunnies!

Join your fellow bunny lovers from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, July 24 for a fun carnival and adoption event at the House Rabbit Society (148 Broadway, Richmond) to meet, celebrate and find homes for these adorable cotton tails, all of which have been spayed and neutered.

The event also aims to raise money for a new branch of the House Rabbit Society called SOS Rabbit, devoted to large-scale rescue efforts, which can cost as much as $7,000 to $10,000 in time and resources. Learn more about the event here.

To peruse additional pictures of some of the beautiful bunnies who will be hopping around Saturday’s adoption event, visit eastbayrabbit.petfinder.com.

eastbayrabbit.petfinder.com

Is a new rabbit in your future?

Rabbits can certainly be cute and cuddly, but adopting one as a pet is a big decision. Please consider these helpful tips from Joan Wegner of East Bay Rabbit Rescue before taking the long-eared plunge:

Rabbits can live up to 12 years, so keep in mind that your new fluffy friend will be with you for a long time.

Indoor rabbits live healthier, longer lives. Heat related deaths and risk of disease are all significantly lower with indoor rabbits. Outdoor rabbits typically live only 2 to 3 years.

Rabbits are easily litter-pan trained and make excellent house pets. They usually live in a large cage or exercise pen, but require daily “roam” time. Watching them run and jump is one of the delights of having a rabbit.

Children love rabbits! However, they often make more suitable companions for adults. An adult must directly supervise all interaction by children younger than 8 years old. Rabbits have a more delicate structure than a dog or a cat and require greater care when handling.

Rabbits are social animals, but because they are prey animals, not all rabbits like to be held. Many rabbits prefer to get attention while on the ground. Rabbits display affection by licking, nudging, looping and staying close by.

Rabbits enjoy the company of other rabbits. If you are thinking about adopting a rabbit, consider taking home a pair. Rabbits keep each other company, groom each other and are often healthier and happier together. Rabbits share the same cage, litter pan, and pet sitter so the extra cost of having two is minimal. Because rabbits are territorial, the easiest time to bond them is when they are young.

All rabbits should be spayed or neutered. Female rabbits have an 85% risk of reproductive cancer by the age of 3 if they are not spayed and males exhibit better household behavior when neutered.

With proper supervision, most rabbits can coexist happily with well-behaved cats and dogs.

Things you’ll need to take care of your new rabbit include a carrier, X-pen or large cage, food and water bowls, hay, litter box, chew toys and food. (The financial requirements of owning a rabbit average approximately $400 annually).